Ribeiro takes comfortable win in IberoAmerican Championships

After the second of three days of competition at the IberoAmerican Championships, in Huelva, Spain, the hosts lead with 11 golds, followed by Cuba with 9 and Brazil with 3 victories (at end of Saturday 7 August).

“I'm very proud to have won here in Huelva,” Pernia said. “And especially with a championship record, which gives me great hope going to Athens. There, I hope to be among the medalists.”

Spain’s Ivan Rodriguez won the men’s one lap hurdles in 49.08.

1996 Olympic women’s 10,000m champion Fernanda Ribeiro, who has been suffering from an Achilles injury this year was nearly five seconds ahead of her closest pursuer in winning the women's 5000 in 15:27.53. Spain’s Luisa Larraga was second in 15:32.29.

“In the Olympics it will be difficult to be among the medalists,” said Ribeiro, 35, “But I'll be content to be among the top five.”

Also of note - Cuba's Yusmay Bisset won the women’s Triple Jump with a leap of14.51m.

Carlos Santa won the Dominican Republic's first gold taking the men's 400 metres in 45.05. Cuba's Yeimer Lopez finished second in 45.21 and Mexico's Alejandro Cardenas won the bronze in 45.22.

Brazil's Maria Laura Almirao won the women's 400 in 52.13. Mexico's Mayra Gonzalez was second in 52.22 with Geisa Coutinho third in 52.42.